Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of trees from land that is then converted to non-forest use. It can involve the conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use. Deforestation is a significant problem, with between 15 million to 18 million hectares of forest, an area the size of Bangladesh, being destroyed every year. The most concentrated deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests. Here are some key points about deforestation:
- Deforestation is the intentional clearing of forested land.
- Trees are cut down for timber, waiting to be transported and sold.
- Deforestation can involve conversion of forest land to farms, ranches, or urban use.
- Deforestation is greatly accelerated by human activities since 1960 and has been negatively affecting natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and the climate.
- The causes of deforestation include natural factors such as natural forest fires or parasite-caused diseases, but human activities are among the main causes of global deforestation.
- Logging, mining, oil and gas extraction, cattle ranching, and agriculture are some of the causes of deforestation.
- Deforestation affects ecosystems, climate, and even increases the risk for zoonotic diseases spreading to humans.
- Agriculture is the main driver of deforestation, with forests giving way to plantations for oil palm, soy, rubber, coffee, tea, and rice among other crops to meet the growing demand for food and other consumer products.
Deforestation is a significant problem that has negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity, and climate. It is important to take action to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable land use practices.
